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2003 Cadillac CTS 5-Speed Road Test

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Khatir Soltani
A Standout Sport Sedan

When the Cadillac CTS was launched last year as a 2003 model it quickly became one of my favorite cars, at least from a design perspective. Its sharply creased contours radically stand out in a sea of bland sameness, only the Audi A4 and Infiniti G35 providing tasteful counterpoints to the safe styling approach taken by the majority of premium automakers.
 
The sharply creased contours of the CTS make it stand out against many of the other premium brand cars on the road. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)
After spending a week behind the wheel of an early example I was equally thrilled with the model's dynamic driving characteristics. Its healthy V6 and very slick 5-speed automatic gearbox feeding the rear wheels, induced an exciting dose of oversteer into a brand known more for the opposite since the entire lineup went front-wheel drive in the 80s.
 
The rear-wheel drive CTS has been optimized for sport, with Cadillac doing a good job to allow road feel through the steering wheel without any harshness. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)
Now that all of Cadillac's drivelines are doing an about face the CTS' Sigma chassis can be optimized for sport. Its independent suspension incorporates double short/long arms with coil-over shocks, an anti-roll bar and monotube dampers up front, plus a multi-link setup with coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers in the rear. Cadillac has done a good job to allow road feel through the steering wheel without any harshness, by creating a non-isolated front suspension cradle combined with an isolated steering box that effectively eliminates compliance between steering wheel and tire.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada